Career Compass: Women's & Gender Studies

Fundamental questions of equality and social justice are still very much with us. In this dynamic interdisciplinary program, you will explore both current and historical debates about women’s experiences, gender relations and feminism, history and reconstructing indigenous art histories that recontextualize museum collections and reclaim women’s voices and lives.

Skills you will gain by studying WOMEN'S and GENDER STUDIES

• The ability to think critically and apply both theoretical and practical approaches to develop innovative solutions to issues of social injustice.
• A demonstrated understanding of a wide range of social, political and cultural issues that have impacts on individuals and communities including race, class, sexuality, and gender identity.
• The ability to collect, analyze and interpret data using feminist research models that address the material conditions of women’s lives.
• The ability to communicate effectively about current and historical debates regarding feminisms, locally and globally.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
WOMN 1500 or WOMN 1600

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with the women's & gender studies coordinator to help you plan your program.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Register for the Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Justice for Women and Arts Student Body Council.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Community Action Poverty Simulation.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit UMSU Women's Centre, Migizii Agamik, the International Centre or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba. Consider becoming a community member/representative for community boards and advisory councils.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
WOMN 2000, plus additional credit hours from women’s and gender studies courses

To do this year:

1. Should you follow a 3- or 4- year plan? Meet with an academic advisor and career consultant to map out your options.
2. Research scholarships and awards offered by the women’s and gender studies program.
3. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student affiliate with Women’s and Gender Studies et Recherches Feministes.
4. Attend the MLEF Speaker Series.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award and/or the Les McAfee Memorial Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out Rainbow Resource Centre, The Mosaic Institute, and Resource Assistance for Youth, Inc. 

Check out program opportunities such as: Research assistantships, grade-marker positions and apply in early September for Margaret Laurence Endowment Fund (MLEF) student internships to work in various local feminist organizations.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, Badili Mtizamo! Tanzania Service-Learning Experience, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out the Student Leadership Development Program, WUSC Student Refugee Program or Community Engaged Learning. Practice your use of additional languages through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
WOMN 3000, plus additional credit hours from women’s and gender studies courses

To do this year:

1. Meet with a program advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in research opportunities including the the Faculty of Arts Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program or take part in International Day of The Girl Child Celebration.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Honours program: WOMN 4100 and WOMN 4200

Advanced: Additional credit hours from women's and gender studies courses

To do this year:

1. Meet with a program advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance:
Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school:
The Women’s and Gender Studies program does not offer a graduate degree. Contact your department early in the year for advice about graduate programs at other universities. Finalize your application materials and required tests. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment:
Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop you cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Addictions Worker
• Border Services Officer
• Citizenship/Immigration Officer
• Communications Analyst
• Community Development Officer
• Community Health Promoter
• Community Support Worker
• Conciliation/Mediation Officer
• EIA Worker
• Employment Advisor
• Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
• Foreign Service Officer
• Human Rights Officer
• Immigrant Settlement Worker
• Intelligence Officer
• International Development Officer
• Lobbyist
• Patient Advocate
• Police Officer
• Political Aide
• Program Analyst
• Research Assistant
• Social Program Coordinator
• Victim Support Worker
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Women’s Shelter Assistant

Options requiring other education

• Child Life Specialist
• Cultural Anthropologist
• Journalist
• Lawyer
• Librarian
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Midwife
• Sexual Health Educator
• Social Worker
• Sociologist
• University Professor
• UN Gender Parity Programme Officer

Industries such as education, government, healthcare and policy development would value a women’s and gender studies major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Critical thinking
• Oral and written communication
• Problem solving
• Continuous learning
• Numeracy and data use
• Digital technology
• Teamwork
• Industry specific knowledge

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.